WILMINGTON — Roger E. Crafts, 96, died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice.
Roger was born Aug. 23, 1920, in Sunderland, Mass., son of the late Caryll M. Crafts and Josephine Dickenson Crafts.
He was first and always a devoted husband and a committed father who prioritized his family. He was generous with his time and his talents, which were many. As a skilled artist, he was known for his striking oil and watercolor paintings, and he loved teaching others to develop their own natural gifts.
As an avid sportsman, he excelled at nearly everything he tried and loved his times on the golf green and the archery range. His humorous recitations would always make others smile. As the years passed, he embraced the changes that came with each new season of life with grace, through it all maintaining a clear sharp mind, a quick wit and above all a kind and humble spirit.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Eleanor Swift Crafts; three sons, David L. Crafts, and his wife, Linda Eng Crafts, Thomas C. Crafts, and his wife, Donna Desmond-Crafts, and Richard L. Crafts, and his wife, Linda Bissonnette Crafts; four grandchildren, Trisha C. Crafts, Johanna Crafts Mears (husband, Jonathan E. Mears), Stephen C. Crafts, and Joshua P. Crafts; and one great-grandson, Jackson A. Crafts.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Andrews Valley Chapel with the Rev. Steve Mattis officiating. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the service hour. Interment will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Roger’s memory may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive Wilmington, NC 28401; or Trinity Grove, 631 Junction Creek Drive, Wilmington, NC 28412.